Luxury Kilimanjaro Tours

Luxury is a relative term when applied to a Kilimanjaro climb. Overnight options boil down to hunkering down in a sleeping bag in a hiking tent or a basic mountain hut.

If you want to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, there is no escaping the steep uphill hikes, the cold on the upper slopes, and the likely effects of altitude. 

In one sense, the most luxurious way to climb the mountain is to stick to the popular Marangu Route. It’s much busier than other routes but allows you to stay overnight in the relative comfort of mountain huts with washing facilities and bottled drinks for sale.

However, if you are looking for exclusivity rather than luxury per se, it’s far better to splash out and arrange to hike one of the lesser-known routes. 

Depending on how much time and money you want to dedicate to the exercise, these range from the Machame and Rongai Routes to the slightly longer Lemosho and Shira Routes.

Another option is the wonderfully scenic and remote Northern Circuit, a new route that can be undertaken over 9-11 days, depending on whether you opt to overnight in the stunning Kibo Crater. 

It’s also worth researching the amenities offered by different operators.

High-quality food and equipment, experienced English-speaking guides, and access to private ablution tents with pump-flush toilets all come at a price, but enhance the comfort of a climb and the likelihood of reaching the summit.